Weathering Lionel PS-4 Flatcar Decks

I'm pretty sure this has been discussed a number of times, maybe over on the 2-Rail SCALE Forum.  

 

You might try the Search function.

Ink/alcohol randomly applied.

Found it.  Thanks. 

 

https://ogrforum.com/t...-car-deck-weathering

Dgauss is correct. I used two different colors of India ink, brown and flat black, at different concentrations and in different locations. I put a lot of defects in the wood first and the ink makes them pop. I try to do the boards across the car rather than lengthwise. At the end, some powders added the dirt.

Just like weathering track, there are many good methods to accomplish what you want to do.  These guys have already given you some great suggestions.  I'll chime in with one more.

I use a Minwax stain pen to lay down the first layer of color.  They are fairly inexpensive and are available in many different colors from very light to very dark.  Very easy to use and no mess.  After distressing the wood a bit like Mario mentioned above, simply "draw" on the stain, then lightly wipe off with a rag.  You can add multiple layers to deepen the stain, to blend different colors, or to attain variations in color across the deck.  Stop when you achieve a base that looks good to you.

After it dries, I finish by using a combination of dry-brushed acrylics, colored pencils and powders to weather some individual boards and to add an overall grime.

Here's a link to another thread discussing weathering Lionel PS-4 flat car decks:

https://ogrforum.com/t...424#2415514336854424

Here's shots of mine...